I am only going to write about Hojancha and Chira Island, the rest are all photos...

HojanchaIt was great to go back to Hojancha. We spent many days there last year in the construction of the first Kingdom Hall in that town, and I had to leave just before completion. So to see everything finished and the hall being well utilized was a nice feeling. Also, seeing the many friends that I got to know while on that project, as well as on rural days of service was very cool. The congregation is growing SO fast... they have a group in a rural area already started and have even sent several temporary special pioneers there. Between Hojancha itself and the rural group they currently have around 10 temporary specials assigned to the area.

. It is a fairly large island located in the middle of the Gulf of Nicoya. Fishing is the main source of income for the 1,700 inhabitants. There were no publishers living on the island, but several special and temporary special pioneers have been assigned to preach the territory and start holding public meetings. They arrived about 2 months ago. And the result? Tons of interested ones are studying the Bible and attending meetings. They have been holding the ministry school, service meeting and bookstudy regularly, and finally started holding Sunday meetings. We had the opportunity to visit and be at the 1st ever Public Talk and Watchtower study on Chira Island! Enoc gave the talk, and another brother conducted the Watchtower... 30+ people were in attendance, it was a truly encouraging experience. They are to have their 1st C.O. visit in February, and more temporary specials will be joining as well. I was excited to get there and see a friend I had met last year, he was serving as a temporary special in Ostional, later was appointed as a permanent special, and reassigned to Chira Island.

I will let the photos tell the adventure of the boat ride to and from the island. Lets just say... the boat "captain" looked like Gilligan. Enough said.